Right, Tenggara. Nestled in Karama, this isn't one of your shiny, new, bells-and-whistles establishments. Stepping inside is like stepping into a sepia-toned photograph of a Southeast Asian eatery, clinging to its glory days with a certain endearing stubbornness. The kind of place where the tables have probably witnessed a thousand delicious meals and a million whispered conversations. It's got a charm that the aggressively modern places can only dream of, an authenticity that hums quietly in the background, promising something genuine. And when a gaggle of Malaysians and Singaporeans all point you in the same direction, muttering about "real flavours," you tend to listen.
The culinary journey began with the Satay Ayam – those humble chicken skewers elevated to something quite delightful. Succulent, properly cooked, and accompanied by a satay sauce that tasted like it had actually seen a peanut in its life. Then came the XO Fried Radish Cake, a textural playground of crispy edges giving way to soft, yielding insides. Now, I have a personal aversion to overly fishy notes, so the XO sauce and I had a minor disagreement involving its shrimpy pronouncements, but my fellow diners were happily devouring it, so chalk that one up to my peculiar palate. The mains, however, were where Tenggara truly shone. The Salted Egg Yolk Chicken – crispy fried pieces slathered in a savoury-sweet, almost granular yellow coating – was dangerously addictive (though a touch more sauce wouldn't have gone amiss, just saying). The Daging Rendang was a masterclass in slow-cooked flavour, the beef meltingly tender and the spice blend singing a complex, aromatic tune. Even the seemingly simple Kangkong with Garlic managed to be surprisingly vibrant and garlicky, proving that even your greens can pack a punch.
Service was efficient and friendly, adding to the overall feeling of being well looked after. Tenggara is about delivering honest-to-goodness South East Asian flavours that taste like they've come straight from a family kitchen. It's a welcome antidote to the often-overpriced and under-flavoured options that proliferate in this city. If you're craving a genuine taste of Southeast Asia, a culinary hug that feels both familiar and exciting, then point your GPS towards Tenggara. You won't find any gimmicks here, just proper, delicious food. And sometimes, that's...
Read moreI recently visited Tenggara, a New Pan-Asian restaurant Located inside Park Regis here in Karama. From the moment I walked in, I was impressed by the vibrant and contemporary decor.
I started my meal with a dish of Spicy Steamed Wontons, which was a delicious and innovative take on a classic dish. The flavors were bold and well-balanced, and the presentation was stunning.
For our main course, we ordered the Nasi Goreng, Kung Pao Chicken, Salted Egg Yolk Prawn, Tom Yam Soup and so much more and we were not disappointed. The dish was expertly prepared, with tender meats and fresh vegetables. The spices used in the dish were a perfect blend of heat and flavor, and the accompanying rice was cooked to perfection.
The standout dish of the night, however, was the Hainanese Chicken . This was a true work of art, both in presentation and taste. The soft texture and bold flavors were a perfect finish to a fantastic meal.
Overall, I had an exceptional dining experience at Tenggara, The food was delicious, the service was top-notch, and the atmosphere was perfect. I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a unique and memorable dining experience.
And a huge thanks to all the staffs specially to Ms. Marie, who made our...
Read moreTenggara – Asian Restaurant | So Good, We Came Back the Next Day!
Tenggara completely exceeded our expectations—not just once, but two days in a row! That alone speaks volumes about the quality of food and service here.
On Day 1, we were guided by Derek, whose recommendations were absolutely spot on. On Day 2, Shemar took care of us with the same level of attention and enthusiasm. Both made our experiences truly memorable with their insights and warmth.
We tried a range of dishes across both days, and each one was exceptional: • Spicy Steamed Wontons – hands down the best we’ve ever had. • Wonton Noodle Soup – comforting and rich in flavor. • Laksa Lemak – beautifully balanced and aromatic. • Black Pepper Prawns – bursting with bold, savory notes. • Kung Pao Chicken – perfectly executed with just the right kick.
The ambience at Tenggara is chic and inviting, complementing the thoughtfully crafted menu. The entire staff was courteous, attentive, and genuinely welcoming.
We’re already looking forward to our next visit. Tenggara is a culinary experience not to be missed—highly recommended for anyone who loves Asian cuisine...
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